Dale Murray

Dale Murray has proven himself to be one of the most talented and adaptable musicians in the Canadian music scene.
Dream Mountain Dream (2012 Music Nova Scotia Country/Bluegrass Recording of the Year)

After releasing his debut album Brighter Lives, Darker Side and spending seven years backing some of Canada’s greatest talents (Hayden, Joel Plaskett, Buck 65, Christina Martin, Matt Mays, Blue Rodeo) in the studio and on the road, Murray is releasing his sophomore studio album Dream Mountain Dream. This pop work of art is sure to endure with fans of Emitt Rhodes, George Harrison and Brian Wilson. The album reflects Murray’s recent turn to developing his own musical talents as an acclaimed Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Audio Engineer and top-tier session musician in every genre. Dale Murray is one of those rare producers who’s developed his own signature ‘sound’ and Dream Mountain Dream defines that sound with grace and soul. Been dreaming of sparkling guitars, thoughtful lyrics and majestic melodies? Dream no more!

HISTORY
Murray’s first musical outing came in the late 90s with the celebrated alt-country group, The Guthries. Through the subsequent release of their two albums, Off Windmill (2000) and The Guthries (2002), the band earned an international fan base. They toured across Canada and throughout the UK several times and earned praise from outlets such as the BBC, Uncut Magazine, and Mojo Magazine. In 2003, The Guthries disbanded to pursue other musical projects.

In 2005, Murray released his debut solo album, Brighter Lives, Darker Side. Combining the influence of artists such as George Harrison and Townes Van Zandt, Exclaim claimed, “Brighter Lives scores all tens.” Murray quickly followed the release of the album and subsequent tour with an appearance in the award winning country music mocumentary, The Life and Times of Guy Terrifico. He also performed on the accompanying soundtrack to the film. Later in the year, Murray was added to the line-up of critically acclaimed rock band Cuff the Duke. Joining them shortly after the release of their self-titled album, he soon became an important part of their creative process. With Murray covering guitars, pedal steel, and backing vocals, Cuff the Duke has since recorded two critically revered albums, Sidelines of the City (2007), and Juno Nominated Way Down Here (2009) and Juno Nominated release Morning Comes (2011).

In August 2011 Murray left Cuff The Duke to focus on producing and recording projects at his studio in rural Nova Scotia. He continues to play a major role in developing the studio and live sound of his wife Christina Martin (Two Hearts, I Can Too, Sleeping With A Stranger, It’ll Be Alright).

In 2009 Murray was recognized for his talent at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Awards, where he was named Producer of the Year and also took home, Musician of the Year. Recently he was nominated for a 2016 East Coast Music Award for Producer of The Year.